LETTER FROM GUEST EDITOR

GUEST EDITOR

Photo by Jennifer Powell Photography

Dusting off my TWM writing pen for this issue has been a joy and an honor, particularly to share the story of this issue’s Cover Woman—the incomparable Berneice Cox, President/CEO of the United Way of the Big Bend.

In the season of giving, what better gift can be found than the gift of the story. A place of magic and wonder, and ultimately a place of connection between one another. In the stories of others, we find the mirror to our own joys and struggles and a deep knowing that we are not alone. And, it’s in the sharing of our stories that we find the courage to step into our own power.

However, those that have experienced or are currently experiencing poverty can feel powerless and without connection. Even the very name, “poverty,” denotes an emptiness or hopelessness that can turn into a physical, social, and psychological cycle that is hard to break free. Berneice

“When it was dark, you always carried the sun in your hand for me.”

-Sean O’Casey

and others in the philanthropy world do much more than meet the basic needs of those who are stRuggling. They carry the sun in their hands, gifting them with optimism and opportunity. Poverty does not have to mean poverty of spirit. In fact, hope is a crucial element in breaking the cycle.

One of the best vehicles of hope is storytelling. It’s when a single mom shares with other single moms about how she made it out of the dark. The success of Netflix’s hit show, Maid, is a powerful testament to one woman’s journey to make a better life for herself and her daughter and the people who gave her support and inspiration along the way. Highly respected businesswoman and community leader Berneice Cox shared that she grew up in poverty. As a single mom, she also experienced the trepidation of not knowing if or how she would take care of her child.

This is the season of fresh starts and a time to bring renewed energy and light into your own life and those of others. What story do you want to tell in 2022? And, what are you doing at this moment to awaken into your power and give the gifts only you can bring to the world? You’ll find that you have much to offer that can be the light someone else needs to see their way out of the dark.

Wishing you happy holidays and a light-filled New Year, Heather Thomas

Heather Thomas is the former Executive Editor of Tallahassee Woman Magazine and currently serves as the Marketing Coordinator at Leon County Schools. She is a wife and a proud mom to two amazing teenagers. To keep up with Heather, follow her on Instagram @ladybluewrites.